What Do We Mean by "Accessibility Research"? A Literature Survey of\n Accessibility Papers in CHI and ASSETS from 1994 to 2019

Abstract

Accessibility research has grown substantially in the past few decades, yet\nthere has been no literature review of the field. To understand current and\nhistorical trends, we created and analyzed a dataset of accessibility papers\nappearing at CHI and ASSETS since ASSETS' founding in 1994. We qualitatively\ncoded areas of focus and methodological decisions for the past 10 years\n(2010-2019, N=506 papers), and analyzed paper counts and keywords over the full\n26 years (N=836 papers). Our findings highlight areas that have received\ndisproportionate attention and those that are underserved--for example, over\n43% of papers in the past 10 years are on accessibility for blind and low\nvision people. We also capture common study characteristics, such as the roles\nof disabled and nondisabled participants as well as sample sizes (e.g., a\nmedian of 13 for participant groups with disabilities and older adults). We\nclose by critically reflecting on gaps in the literature and offering guidance\nfor future work in the field.\n